Top 10 regions for travel in 2014

November 2, 2013 4:06 AM

Photo: Raimund Linke/Getty Images

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10. Ha'apai, Tonga: The 62 "lush, reef-fringed islands" in Tonga's central island group of Ha'apai are worth the long journey to the South Pacific, according to Lonely Planet. The Kingdom of Tonga's Web site has travel tips for the nation's more than 170 islands. less

10. Ha'apai, Tonga: The 62 "lush, reef-fringed islands" in Tonga's central island group of Ha'apai are worth the long journey to the South Pacific, according to Lonely Planet. The Kingdom of Tonga's Web site ... more

9. Hunan, China: A "gleaming new network of high-speed trains, superhighways and regular direct flights," as Lonely Planet puts it, is
making it easier to enjoy the ancient treasures of China's Hunan province, such as the Wind Bridge of Fenghuang (pictured). less

9. Hunan, China: A "gleaming new network of high-speed trains, superhighways and regular direct flights," as Lonely Planet puts it, is making it easier to enjoy the ancient treasures of China's Hunan ... more

8. New Zealand's West Coast: Thanks to two new trails opening in 2014 as part of the country's new Cycle Trail network, this remote but breathtakingly scenic region on the South Island is becoming more accessible to visitors, as Lonely Planet observes. Click here for tips on exploring a landscape that includes everything from subtropical rainforest to glaciers. less

8. New Zealand's West Coast: Thanks to two new trails opening in 2014 as part of the country's new Cycle Trail network, this remote but breathtakingly scenic region on the South Island is becoming more ... more

Photo: Raimund Linke, Getty Images

8. New Zealand's West Coast: Thanks to two new trails... Photo-5406031.73278 - SFGate

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7. Mallorca, Spain: While boozing British soccer fans frequent some parts of the Balearic isle known locally as Majorca, Lonely Planet hails the island's ongoing reinvention as a "more genteel'" destination. One top attraction: the gorgeous northwest coast, including Puerto de Soller (pictured) and the Serra da Tramuntana mountain range. less

7. Mallorca, Spain: While boozing British soccer fans frequent some parts of the Balearic isle known locally as Majorca, Lonely Planet hails the island's ongoing reinvention as a "more genteel'" destination. ... more

5. Texas: Gourmet fast food, celebrity chefs and new authenticity to Tex-Mex cuisine are among reasons to tuck into "Texas tucker," Lonely Planet notes. But revitalization of downtowns in Houston, which is expanding its green space, and Fort Worth (pictured), which is gaining a new plaza, are also attractions in 2014. Check out My Table for the latest on Houston's lively dining scene. less

5. Texas: Gourmet fast food, celebrity chefs and new authenticity to Tex-Mex cuisine are among reasons to tuck into "Texas tucker," Lonely Planet notes. But revitalization of downtowns in Houston, which is ... more

4. Hokuriku, Japan: The Alpine scenery of Honshu's western coast is "often overlooked by time-poor visitors," according to Lonely Planet, which notes a bullet train to the region's metropolis of Kanazawa (pictured) is due to open in March 2015. Go in 2014 to enjoy its onsen (hot baths), castles and geisha culture before the hordes arrive. The Japan National Tourism Organization has suggestions for a three-day trip. less

4. Hokuriku, Japan: The Alpine scenery of Honshu's western coast is "often overlooked by time-poor visitors," according to Lonely Planet, which notes a bullet train to the region's metropolis of Kanazawa ... more

3. Yorkshire, England: The rugged, rural county renowned for sheep and its local accent (cue Monty Python's "Four Yorkshiremen" skit here) is also home to "more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other county outside London," according to Lonely Planet. The 2014 Tour de France will start here too. Welcome to Yorkshire has Tour details and other travel tips. Pictured: Twistleton Scar, Ingleton, Yorkshire Dales. less

3. Yorkshire, England: The rugged, rural county renowned for sheep and its local accent (cue Monty Python's "Four Yorkshiremen" skit here) is also home to "more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other ... more

2. The Kimberley, Australia: The sprawling, unspoiled region in Western Australia features striking landscape that's "mostly inaccessible during the wet season (November-March)," according to Lonely Planet, which urges readers to explore the area, including its coastline, before more development occurs. For more suggestions of what to do in the Kimberley, click here. Pictured: The southern escarpment from Kungkalahayi lookout. less

2. The Kimberley, Australia: The sprawling, unspoiled region in Western Australia features striking landscape that's "mostly inaccessible during the wet season (November-March)," according to Lonely Planet, ... more

1. Sikkim, India: An increase in "sustainable, community-based tourism'" and the opening of a new airport next year are among the reasons Lonely Planet chose this Himalayan area as its top travel region for 2014. For more about this multicultural region, home to Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha people, see sikkimtourism.gov.in.
Pictured: Yumthang Valley. less

1. Sikkim, India: An increase in "sustainable, community-based tourism'" and the opening of a new airport next year are among the reasons Lonely Planet chose this Himalayan area as its top travel region for ... more